The outgoing leader of the Phoenix Police Department told federal lawmakers the increased availability of guns has made it too easy for children to get them.
Chief Jeri Williams was among the witnesses Wednesday at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about protecting kids from gun violence.
Williams, who also serves as president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, said members have reported an increase of children shooting others.
“It’s incredibly troubling to see such a disregard for the sanctity of life at a young age. Youth in major cities, especially communities of color, have become desensitized to the persistent gun violence in their communities,” she said.
Williams has said she’ll step down as Phoenix police chief this summer.
